Based on the reports of prisoners captured on 17 September, 2nd Cavalry Group commander, Colonel Charles Reed, became convinced that the Germans were preparing to launch a major counterattack and requested tank destroyer assistance. His request was denied by the XII Corps. On the 18th, the 42nd Cavalry Reconnaissance forces screening the eastern approaches of LunÚville saw the arrival of the Panzer-Brigade.111 looking to retake the city. The 42nd would have to buy time to allow the retreat of the rest of the 2nd Cavalry Group and the intervention of U.S. heavy tanks reinforcements.